People in government offices, businesses and schools throughout Riverside County next week will stop everything for a minute to “drop, cover and hold on” during a statewide earthquake preparedness drill, now in its 17th year.

The Great California ShakeOut of 2025 is scheduled for 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.

“Earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live or travel,” according to a statement posted to ShakeOut.org. “Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are our chance to practice together how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to save lives and prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.”

The ShakeOut website indicated that as of Friday, nearly 10 million Californians were slated to participate in the drill. During last year’s event, about 10.6 milli

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